Mettawa voters have packed ballots

Having a referendum on the ballot that doesn't involve parks or schools is uncommon in most communities. But on April 7, Mettawa voters will have three advisory questions to consider.

One involves whether the village should buy land for a community park; another asking whether it should continue pursuit of a village-wide trail system; and, the third asks whether residents support a roundabout at Everett and Riverwoods roads.

Two are potentially big ticket items, while the third is intended as an informal snapshot of opinion on a Lake County project over which the village has no control and is well along in the planning process.

The first asks whether Mettawa should purchase land west of the Lake Forest Oasis and east of Bradley Road for a park, open space and recreation.

An ad hoc committee was formed to study the matter and the village already has authorized $7,500 for planning. A concept plan for the 18-acre parcel has been prepared but the village would have to buy the land.

"What we're thinking about is a very natural park, 95 percent open space. No programmed activities, nothing like that," said Trustee Larry Falbe, who chairs the ad hoc committee.

Falbe said there has been no property appraisal and further work would require detailed studies and cost estimates. The idea was to get a concept for people to consider rather than buying the property and hoping a park would work.

However, challengers to the incumbent board members say that's putting the cart before the horse, and wonder why the question is being asked about property the village doesn't own.

An update for the board is scheduled for March 16.

Another ballot question asks whether residents think completing the Mettawa trail system through the village should be a priority. Stretches of a trail exist north of Route 60, and extending it at various points would allow access to the Des Plaines River Trail.

"We'd like to create a loop," said Trustee Jack Tindall. "The question is of easements and construction."

There also are plans for a trail system south of Route 60.

"We want to know the degree to which people support it because it takes a lot of money and time," he said.

The third referendum questions involves the intersection at Everett and Riverwoods roads, which is one of three being pursued by Lake County for construction of a roundabout. The $1.8 million project bordering Mettawa and Lincolnshire is nearing the design stage and could go to bids for construction next year.

The intersection currently is a four-way stop sign and is considered low on the level of service, or how fast vehicles can get through.